Cold boots vs, warm boots

“This may come out sounding wierd, but I'd like to know your thoughts on the matter. Almost 40 years ago, a friend advised me to leave my ski boots outside and my feet would stay warmer through the next day. This was before plastic and inserts, of course (I'd love to find an old set of cable bindings that take the old style ski boots that were essentially mountain boots). It worked for me, although my sister cursed us both. What do you guys do? Do you have any special tips or tricks on the subject?

The subject came up in an Adirondack lean-to Saturday when two guys from Cooperstown noticed I didn't put my boots in my bivy sack. They thought it was pretty wierd.

Oddly enough, I did get blisters on my heels for the first time in many years. I think it was because my feet were damp and clammy. You see, it was my first night in really cold weather (-10°F) with my new Slumberjack 600 Expedition bag rated to -30°F. I normally fill two Nalgenes with hot water before I kip and use a VBL. My bag was just too warm and even though I only have a ¾ length Thermarest (hope to buy a big one soon) and slept without cinching up the hood, my feet sweated all night. I guess I'll just have to do what everyone else does and bring a change of socks and liners, even for overnighters. Happy trails.”

“Rule of thumb for me is "Clean socks everyday" and some times in warmer months I may change twice!”

“Sounds like you answered some of your own questions.

Extra sock and liners is a must in case the used ones have not dried overnight. I never dress clammy feet in the morning. I like to have them dry before the liners and socks go on. Clammy feet will do you in most of the time.

I also break in the cold boots in the morning. I never cinch them down till it is time to go. Walk around giving the feet and the boots time to loosen and warm up.

Sounds like you may have added to your clammy foot problem by adding the hot bottles and not venting alittle in the foot box area of your bag.

I rarely put my boots in the sleeping bag unless they are waterlogged and it is freezing out. Then their wrap in a bag and placed in the bottom.”

“Doesn't your sleeping bag have a two way zipper? If it is too warm I open up the bottom of the bag.”

“I also have "cold feet" problems. I heard that treating your feet with anti-persperant several times a day prior to a hike will stop the majority of the sweating.
I tried the battery socks and they failed big time!
Still searching for good cold/snow boots. The ones I use don't cut it.”

“In cold weather I use hand warmers like ya get a Wal-Mart for .99 a pack. Just put one in each sock and your feet are warm and it dries up anything clammy. Works for me.”

“Watch the expiration dates on chemical hands warmers. I bought a bunch on sale, and they don't work for sh!t.
I tried neoprene socks this past snowshoe trip and they work surprisingly well.
My hiking partner was wearing the new "Lowa" insulated boots. He was very pleased with how warm his feet stayed standing in the snow. Hard to find insulated boots that hike well.
Anyone hike in kevlar boots?”

“Been wearing Chippewa 50 belows as my winter "street shoe", hiking boot, and snowshoe boot for 7 years. My first pair lasted over 4 years of daily wear 7 months a year. I'm almost disappointed when summer comes and I have to put them away.”

“My bag has double two-way zippers, but that means nothing in a bivy sack. Also, the VBL keeps moisture in the bag rather than in the fill, so venting isn't really an issue. I guess a change of socks is the only way to go.

I don't think I'll heat water for the night, just put the water bottles in the bag to stop them from freezing, unless it's extremely cold. Thanks and happy trails.”